Playoff predictions: Round 2

Let me preface this set of predictions by saying my first round showing was horrible. And while I'm looking to make up some ground in round two, I'm not guaranteeing anything. This set of series should be fun, but there are no gimmes. Each team has a legitimate chance to win, and all but New Jersey have unproven playoff netminders. So whether these predictions come true or not, I'm ready for another great round of spellbounding saves, heart-crushing goals and overtime thrillers.

Eastern Conference

(1) OTTAWA Senators vs. (4) BUFFALO Sabres

Series Breakdown

Ottawa (113 pts, 52-21-9), Buffalo (110 pts, 52-24-6)

Season series: Ottawa (5-1-2)

I'm really getting excited about these Sabres. And yea, they are "my" team, but everything turned right for the Sabres toward the end of the Flyers series. The defense was rock solid, Ryan Miller rebounded from two tough games, and the offense really starting clicking. The Sabres co-captains, Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, are averaging 1.5 points a game. Daniel Alfredsson still has a lot to prove as a playoff performer. I believe Miller clearly has an edge over Ray Emery. Buffalo's defense might be better collectively, but if Ottawa's top three defenders -- Wade Redden, Zdeno Chara and Chris Phillips -- log most of the ice time, you give the edge to the Senators. Both offenses are fast and skilled, with the Sens having another edge in star power. However, if Edmonton isn't the story of the playoffs, Buffalo very well could be. There's unbelievable chemistry in that room, and they proved to be gritty and resilient in these playoffs. Ottawa finished just three points ahead of Buffalo in the regular season. They hold the edge (2-0) in all-time playoff series head-to-head. Sabres will pull it out.

Pick: Buffalo in 7

(2) CAROLINA Hurricanes vs. (3) NEW JERSEY Devils

Series Breakdown

Carolina (112 pts, 52-22-8), New Jersey (101 pts, 46-27-9)

Season series: Tied (2-2)

Will the Devils ever lose again? Yes, and they won't sweep the Hurricanes. Cam Ward could be 2003's J.S. Giguere. He's going up against his childhood idol in Marty Brodeur. But oh those Devils. They have two great offensive lines going, and while their defense might not be top-notch, their goaltender certainly is. Carolina won four straight to stun Montreal, while New Jersey had no trouble in its series. What helps the 'Canes here is that they learned to win the tight games over the Canadiens.  They also have the speed and skill to pressure New Jersey's defenders, which means Brodeur will see a lot more work in this series. Ward over Brodeur? I guess I'm going for the upset here. Maybe it's just because I don't want to see any more Devils hockey beyond this round...

Pick: Carolina in 6

Western Conference

(5) SAN JOSE Sharks vs. (8) EDMONTON Oilers

Series Breakdown

San Jose (99 pts, 44-27-11), Edmonton (95 pts, 41-28-13)

Season series: Edmonton (3-1-0)

I'll put it right out front -- I think this series comes down to goaltending (as most playoff series do). Can Vesa Toskala (2.01 GAA, .927 save-percentage) keep up with Dwayne Roloson (2.49 GAA, .929 save-percentage), who kept the high-powered Red Wing offense at bay. Both teams made terrific in-season trades, Edmonton for Roloson and San Jose for Joe Thornton, which turned their teams back into contenders. Michael Peca can only shutdown one of the Sharks' top lines. Chris Pronger should be outstanding again. But you have to believe that Thornton will be able to break through. Both are solid teams from top-to-bottom, and Edmonton could very well be this year's Cinderella team. Another close one, but bet against Jonathan Cheechoo train whistles or Patrick Marleau magic? I think Edmonton will be chum.

Pick: San Jose in 6

(6) ANAHEIM Mighty Ducks vs. (7) COLORADO Avalanche

Series Breakdown

Anaheim (98 pts, 43-27-12), Colorado (95 pts, 43-30-9)

Season series: Colorado (3-0-1)

Both of these teams impressed me to no end in the first round. The Avalanche spanked the Stars, including two overtime wins in Dallas. Jose Theodore wasn't great, sporting a 2.64 GAA and the tenth-best save percentage (.910). Marty Turco was just worse. J.S. Giguere was replaced by rookie Ilja Bryzgalov, who allowed only one goal in the last two games of the Calgary series. Colorado had Anaheim's number in the regular season, but this series should be close. The Mighty Ducks silenced critics in the last round, beating Miika Kiprusoff, and Colorado reemerged as a Western power. I can't find anything to point at exactly, but something tells me that this series has a great chance in going to six or seven games. I'll give the Avalanche's Joe Sakic and Rob Blake a slight edge over the Duck's Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermeyer. But it's ever so slight.

Pick: Colorado in 7

Comments

[Earl Sleek]

"Cam Ward could be 2001's J.S. Giguere."

Giguere's big playoff year was 2003, fyi.

[Lindsey]

My mistake. Thanks, Earl!